Appenninica the litmus test for Diego Arias’ rainbow dreams

The Marathon MTB vice-World Champion chose Appenninica MTB Stage Race (4-10 September 2022) as final dress rehearsal ahead of the World Championships in Haderslev (Denmark). The Hubbers-Polimedical’s Colombian looks forward to his debut on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines

Pursuing goals and turning them from dreams into reality requires lots of commitment and effort. Team Hubbers-Polimedical’s Colombian Diego Arias has chosen the challenging Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 (4-10 September 2022) as his final test before chasing his dream of becoming Marathon World Champion.

After his second place at the 2021 World Championships in Capoliveri, the strong Colombian athlete has stepped into a new dimension, and has opted for the altimetric and technical difficulties of the Italian stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines as litmus test before another rainbow charge. Hig goal will be to refine his condition for the 2022 UCI Marathon MTB World Championships, scheduled eight days after the conclusion of Appenninica, on 18 September 2022 in Haderslev, Denmark.

I think facing the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the right concentration and spirit can be a great preparation for the World ChampionshipsIf we do things right, I think we will arrive in Denmark in top shape. A race like Appenninica must be prepared very well, and you have to be able to manage your energy day after day. It will be crucial to arrive clear-headed at the end of the week”, says the Marathon MTB vice-World Champion.

 

Diego Arias has had a good season so far, with the highlights of the overall success at the Rally di Sardegna, the recent victory at the Assietta Legend and a remarkable second place at the Hero Südtirol Dolomites. There’s little doubt he will line up in Castelnovo ne’ Monti as one of the top favorites for the 2022 Appenninica overall crown.

My goal is to perform well and fight for the general classification, or at least a place on the podium. I looked at the stages, and it certainly looks like a very hard race. I haven’t red circled any day in particular, we will have to think day by day”, Arias explained.

It will be the first time for the Hubbers-Polimedical team as well at Appenninica, and they hope to hit the ground running.

We have decided to participate in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 because we believe it is a well organised event, and the perfect dress rehearsal for the Marathon MTB World Championships. We will be at the start with the aim of performing well and enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines”, said Hubbers-Polimedical Team Manager Gianfranco Bechis.

Appenninica MTB locks in 2026 dates: five days of racing from June 22nd to 26th

Fresh off the 2025 edition, Appenninica MTB Stage Race is already looking ahead. The next chapter of the Italian stage race will take place from June 22nd to 26th, 2026, keeping its five-stage format. Early Bird entries go live on July 2nd

Arias and Bakker crowned champions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Colombian Diego Arias secures his second overall title after 2022, while Dutch rider Lola Bakker prevails in the women’s race after a week-long battle with Syd Schulz. Spica wins final stage and climbs to third overall.

Bakker delivers standout Queen Stage performance

Another dramatic turnaround in the women’s race as Lola Bakker claims her third stage win, building a commanding advantage

Arias moves closer to Appenninica 2025 victory

Diego Arias wins High Mountain Queen Stage, extending his lead in Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025. Saitta remains second, with Massimo Rosa taking third on the day.

Bakker rebounds, Schulz stays calm

Lola Bakker responds after Tuesday’s setback, while Syd Schulz manages to limit the damage

Candeago bounce back in Riolunato

Third different winner in as many stages at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025: Andrea Candeago claims victory in Riolunato, outsprinting Vincenzo Saitta and teammate Diego Arias to secure the win that eluded him in Vidiciatico.

Schulz seizes the Pink Jersey

In the women’s race, Syd Schulz snatches the leader’s jersey from Lola Bakker

Saitta triumphs in Vidiciatico as Arias holds firm

After a strong debut, Sicilian rider Vincenzo Saitta wins Stage 2 of Appenninica, outsprinting Diego Arias and Andrea Candeago in Vidiciatico

Arias strikes first at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Diego Arias drops Saitta, and finishes ahead of Becking and the Italian

Bakker powers clear, Schulz hangs tough

Lola Bakker edges Schulz in a heated women’s contest

Appenninica 2025 kicks off: five days of pure MTB

Tomorrow, Monday June 23rd, the 2025 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race kicks off from Lizzano in Belvedere. Through Friday June 27th, 117 riders will battle across 315 kilometers and nearly 12,000 meters of elevation gain. Hans Becking and Diego Arias are the men to watch, while the women’s field is wide open with no clear favorite.

Twenty-Two Nations line up for Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

From June 23-27, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will collect the attention of international MTB lovers with 118 participants from 22 different Countries. The Netherlands and Italy lead the field, while South America is getting more represented year after year